Chardon School superintendent search: Finalists pitch priorities to district residents

Three local school administrators vying for the position of Chardon School District superintendent met with community members on Tuesday at Chardon Middle School.

Painesville City Schools Superintendent Michael P. Hanlon, Willoughby South High School Principal Paul Lombardo and Brunswick Schools Assistant Superintendent Joelle Magyar were allotted 30 minutes each to provide information including their qualifications for the job and plans for the district if chosen as its new leader.

Candidates answered questions from the audience of about 100 people.

Hanlon, of Mentor, said he believes his experience in leading a diverse and growing district and developing professional learning communities among staff are some of his key strengths. He also pointed to the successful completion of new school buildings from 2005 to 2010 as a major accomplishment.

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"I'm proud to say that the project was completed in time and under budget," he said.

In response to a question regarding priorities for the district, he cited ensuring an alignment with the common core and that students graduate college- and career-ready.

"Student achievement has to be the No. 1 goal," he said. "If you look at features of high-performing districts (their) singular focus is on student achievement."

Other priorities included accountability in relation to state report cards and long-term financial stability.

Lombardo, who lives in Concord Township, said his abilities to lead by example and be an effective communicator with all audiences are among his greatest strengths. He also believes his accomplishments at South High have helped place it within the top 15 percent of all high schools in Ohio.

Responding to a question regarding school levies he said, "When you ask for a levy you're asking people to make sacrifices ... but I think it's equally important for schools to make sacrifices, too ... without hurting the kids.

"It's a two-way street. We've got to work together."

He expressed hope for a long-term affiliation with the district while serving as superintendent.

"This (position) is not a stepping stone," he said. "For me this is the job. I have 17 years left and ...I could see me staying here. That's why it's so exciting for me to be here in Chardon."

Magyar, a Mentor resident, related a similar dedication.

"You need to be able to put down roots and be able to stay," she said "I have no desire to be district hopping at all."

Magyar said one of her key strengths is the ability to collaborate and work positively with all staff and noted her track record in student achievement is a significant accomplishment.

To illustrate her statement, she explained that student test scores vastly improved within one year after her appointment as principal of a school in the Painesville district. Establishing positive relationships with teachers, who in turn, built better relations with students, was a major factor in the change, she said.

In terms of the district's finances, Magyar said it is crucial to pass a levy and that campaign strategies should be examined.

"Signs in yards don't pass levies. It has to be a grassroots effort," she said.

After each candidate's presentation those in attendance were given an opportunity to provide written feedback for use by the board in making their final decision.

The candidate chosen as the new superintendent will replace retiring Superintendent Joseph Bergant who will be leaving in June after serving in the position since 2005.

Announcement of the board's final selection could take place this month, district spokeswoman Ellen Ondrey said.